Ministry of Defence vows to protect sovereignty amid rising casualties and injuries

Dubai: On Sunday, March 29, 2026, UAE air defences intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 UAVs launched from Iran.
Since the start of the blatant Iranian attacks, UAE air defences have engaged a total of 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,914 UAVs.
The assaults have claimed the lives of two members of the UAE Armed Forces, who were performing their national duty, as well as a Moroccan civilian contracted by the Armed Forces. In addition, eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India were also killed.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
A total of 178 people were also injured, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate and severe. The injured included nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Turkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, Sweden and Tunisia.
The Ministry of Defence affirmed that it remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability and safeguards its interests and national capabilities.